Grip for golf clubs and the like



A ril 10, 1934. L. A. YOUNG 1,954,275

GRIP FOR GOLF CLUBS AND THE LIKE Filed Sept. 5. 1931 5 INVENTOR Patented Apr. 10, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 8 Claims.

The main object of this invention is to provide a grip for golf clubs and the like which permits the firm grasping of the club, even when wet or damp.

A further object is to provide a grip for golf clubs which permits a very firm hold on the club without undue gripping stress.

A still further object is to provide a grip for golf clubs having these advantages which is economical in structure and very durable.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of my invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side view of a golf club shaft embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view partially in central longitudinal section.

Fig. 3 is a cross section on line 33 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view illustrating structural details and steps in assembling.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross section on line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of the grip covering strip which is preferably of leather.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated I show my improvements as applied to a tubular steel golf club shaft 1, the outer end of which has a tip piece 2 secured thereto, this tip piece being that of the Link Patent No. 1,764,800, dated June 1'7, 1930.

The grip comprises a foundation consisting of a plurality of complementary longitudinal sections or members 3 preferably of molded cork. These sections are, in the embodiment illustrated, tapered from end to end as the taper of the grip is usually greater than that of the shaft. These sections are arranged and secured on the shaft with their edges in close abutting relation as shown in Fig. 1 so that, in effect, a continuous tubular foundation results. The foundation has spirally disposed raised portions 4 which complement each other forming a continuous spiral rib with a spiral depressed portion between the convolutions of the rib.

The covering 5 is spirally wrapped upon the foundation between the ribs with its edges in abutting relation to the edges of the rib as shown in Fig. 2, the rib preferably projecting somewhat beyond the surface of this covering.

I thus secure a composite gripping surface with spirally disposed raised portions which add materially in the firm gripping of the club. A feature of particular importance, however, is that the grip does not become slippery when wet or moistened, either by rain or perspiration, and it does not become smooth and slippery from use as commonly results from the leather grips now most generally in use.

While I prefer molded cork as a foundation material, other compositions having some of the characteristics may be used. The covering strip of leather or other suitable fibrous material not only serves to secure the desired feel but has the further advantage of additional binding means for the foundation. The sections of foundation may be readily tapered to secure the desired taper to the grip so that it is not necessary to provide sub-foundations.

The structure is not only simple and economical in its parts, but they may be conveniently assembled.

I have not attempted to illustrate and describe certain other modifications or adaptations which I contemplate as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with a shaft, of a grip comprising complementary longitudinal foundation sections of molded cork uniformly tapered and having spirally disposed raised portions disposed in complementary relation to provide a continuous rib, and a strip of leather spirally wrapped upon the foundation between said rib with its edges in abutting relation to the edges of the rib and with the raised portions of the foundation projecting slightly beyond the surface of the leather.

2. The combination with a shaft, of a grip comprising complementary longitudinal foundation sections of molded cork having spirally disposed raised portions disposed in complementary relation to provide a continuous rib, and a strip of leather spirally wrapped upon the foundation between adjacent convolutions of said rib.

3. The combination with a shaft, of a grip comprising complementary longitudinal foundation sections having spirally disposed raised portions disposed in complementary relation to provide a continuous rib, and a strip spirally wrapped upon the foundation between the convolutions of said rib with its edges in abutting relation to the edges of the rib and with the raised portions of the foundation projecting slightly beyond the surface of the leather.

4. The combination with a shaft, of a grip comprising complementary longitudinal foundation sections having spirally disposed raised portions disposed in complementary relation to provide a continuous rib, and a strip spirally wrapped upon the foundation between the convolutions of said rib.

5. The combination with a shaft provided with a grip foundation comprising longitudinal complementary sections of molded material secured upon the shaft and having a spirally disposed raised portion, and a covering strip wound upon said foundation between its said raised portions.

6. The combination with a shaft provided with a grip foundation comprising longitudinal complementary sections secured upon the shaft and having a spirally disposed raised portion, and a covering strip wound upon said foundation between its said raised portions.

7. The combination with a shaft, of a grip comprising complementary longitudinal foundation elements uniformly tapered and having raised portions disposed in complementary relation, and a covering strip wrapped upon the foundation to permit the raised portions thereof to project and cooperating therewith to provide a composite grip.

8. The combination with a shaft, of a grip comprising complementary longitudinal foundation members having spirally disposed raised portions coacting to provide a continuous spiral rib, and a covering Wrapped upon said foundation between the convolutions of said rib and c0- acting therewith to provide a composite grip surface.

LEONARD A. YOUNG. 

